The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.
At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise From The Academy
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.
However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.
"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.
"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.
"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.
According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.
Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success.
After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.